I'm 2.5 months post-op, will my big supratip go down? (Photos)

Question

Had open septorhioplasty and hump reduction August 2, now Oct. 15. The tip and supratip just look huge in all photos, forget about smiling. Very hard, not squishy like swelling. Also looks like I'm getting a pollybeak. It just looks so graceless and big, and I'm so disappointed. Is there a possibility it will actually turn out well at this point?

James Bonaparte, MD, MSc, FRCSC · Answer

This is one of the most common questions we see after a rhinoplasty. Its very frustrating waiting for this to improve. Often times, the supratip swelling can take 6-12 months to resolve. In my practice, if the swelling is still present after 8 months, I use a small injection of a steroid to help. I many cases this improves the supratip fullness. The best option is to discuss this with your physician and see if this is appropriate. Dr Bonaparte

Lucas Bryant, MD · Answer

Good question. Have you discussed your concern with your surgeon? The tip and supra tip areas are the last areas for swelling to leave. That being said, it is not uncommon for a surgeon to offer steroid injection or a taping regimen to help speed up your healing process in this area. Warm regards.

Nicholas S. Karter, MD · Answer

It is very normal to have persistent postoperative swelling in the supratip area this far out from surgery.  Typically, about 80% of the postoperative swelling resolves in the first month or two.  However the last 20% will take a full year to completely resorbed.  The tip area, specifically the supratip, is usually the area that holds onto the swelling for the longest.  I would expect the supratip area to continue to improve over the upcoming ten months.  I do recommend that you share your concerns with your surgeon as they may wish to evaluate you sooner than your scheduled follow-up.  In rare circumstances if they suspect a soft tissue poly-beak they may wish to perform Kenalog injections.  Again though, I suspect this is normal postoperative swelling.  Hang in there, I know this can be very frustrating.  I hope this helps, good luck!!

Melih Erogul, MD (retired) · Answer

Hi
and welcome to our forum!
The
procedure of rhinoplasty involves separation of the nasal bones
and cartilages from overlying and underlying
tissues, fracturing and reshaping
of bone, trimming and reshaping of cartilage. The tissue
trauma resulting from this "insult" is significant, resulting in the
inflammation of healing, swelling (which may be asymmetric), firmness
and a slight degree of warmth which may persist for a year or longer. The tip and supratip notoriously take the longest time. This phenomenon will gradually subside. Some surgeons advocate the
use of nasal tapes to control the swelling in the early postoperative
period. In unusually severe instances, steroid injections into the area are advocated by some. 15% of cosmetic surgical procedures may require secondary revision. It is still too early to assess your final result. 
Express your concerns to your surgeon. I recommend continued followup with your surgeon as you are a long way from being
healed.
Best
wishes...

I'm 2.5 months post-op, will my big supratip go down? (Photos)

Answers (4)

Answer: Swelling after rhinoplasty

Answer: Swelling after rhinoplasty

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I'm 2.5 months post-op, will my big supratip go down? (Photos)

Answers (4)

Answer: Swelling after rhinoplasty

Answer: Swelling after rhinoplasty

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Rhinoplasty

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.